The Philosophical Writings of Descartes (Volume II)

The Philosophical Writings of Descartes Volume II These two volumes provide a completely new translation of the philosophical works of Descartes based on the best available Latin and French texts They were intended to replace the only reasonably com

These two volumes provide a completely new translation of the philosophical works of Descartes, based on the best available Latin and French texts They were intended to replace the only reasonably comprehensive selection of his works in English, by Haldane and Ross, first publsihed in 1911 All the works included in that edition are translated here, together with a numberThese two volumes provide a completely new translation of the philosophical works of Descartes, based on the best available Latin and French texts They were intended to replace the only reasonably comprehensive selection of his works in English, by Haldane and Ross, first publsihed in 1911 All the works included in that edition are translated here, together with a number of additional texts crucial for an understanding of Cartesian philosophy, including important material from Descartes scientific writings The result should meet the widespread demand for an accurate and authoritative edition of Descartes philosophical writings in clear and readable modern English.

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In high school, and on so many occasions I heard talk about Rene Descartes "Method" which is the Method of Directing Thought. Many,many years later I came accross this book and out of curiosity peeked what is the Method about. The rest is history. I feel completely in tune with Descartes writing, which is no philosophical gibberish. This is a practical mathematitian's observations and rules for efficient use of mind.

In Spring 1976, I took a course on Descartes that featured his basic works - Discourse on Method and Rules for the Direction of the Mind - among others. This was a a good course that was one of my first experiences going through philosophical texts in detail. Everyone should try to work through Descartes, especially given how is work is simplified and distorted.

descartes is the greatest thinker of all time. this volume contains his masterpiece, the meditations, as well as the objections and replies to his brilliant opus. reading these works changed my life. i plan on spending the rest of my life studying the contents of this book.

This volume contains the Objections to Descartes' Meditations and his Replies, as well as a letter to a Father Dinet to complain about the author of the seventh set of objections. I find it fascinating that philosophical disputes at the dawn of modern philosophy were recorded so diligently by one of its founders. Even if the replies Descartes made to his critics aren't always convincing, this book is a testimony to the man's intellectual honesty. The first, second, fourth, and sixth set of objec [...]

For all his doubting, there seems to be a direct line connecting the Cartesian quest for certitude with that of Augustine (of Hippo); they almost appear to join hands across the centuries in their limitless craving for absolute certainty, without which they simply cannot exist. (Pun intended.) But not only in just that: In many and obvious ways, Descartes is still steeped in the medieval tradition, despite often being called the first modern philosopher – a distinction that more obviously belo [...]

Descartes tested his arguments from Meditations on First Philosophy by eliciting objections from some impressive thinkers in his day. John Duns Scotus, Marin Mersenne, Thomas Hobbes, and Antoine Arnauld among others. Some misinterpret his arguments, some make pointed objections and one is just an obnoxious dick (looking at you, Hobbes).Descartes drafts replies and thereby adds a great deal of depth to the Meditations. He seems to relish the opportunity to elaborate on points. Sometimes, Descarte [...]

Oh Rene, your Meditations have become one of the most important leaps into modern science ever recorded. And while I'm not completely sold on your views, I think that they are very interesting, and worth the time to read.This edition sports some great objections and replies that help the young philosopher to learn more of Descartes' ideas while hearing some of the best counter-arguments out there. This edition, therefore, is scores above many others that simply contain Descartes' own work (in ot [...]

Descartes' writing is an odd bird for modern readers, because much of his philosophical writing has provided a crucial underpinning for modernity, much of his scientific work has been superceded. While elements of his thought--the importance of doubt, theory of the subject, etc.--are crucial to anyone who wants to understand any modern philosophy, his science is more historically interesting than scientifically interesting. For instance, Descartes is absolutely convinced that a vaccuum is a scie [...]

Mon DIEU this book is dull. It put me to sleep at least a half dozen times, and the more conscious I was while reading it the less conscious I wanted to be. The Meditations themselves aren't so bad, but once I got into the Objections and Replies I began, in nigh-Orwellian fashion, to have visions of an unending future in which I despaired of ever escaping the labyrinth of scholastic quibbles and outmoded distinctions into which I had unwittingly wandered, as all the while Descartes's pompous, sm [...]

Having read so much about Descartes, I figured it was high time I actually read what he had to say. I found him to be a clear and engaging writer. While I do not find his Method adequate or his Philosophy persuasive, I give this work four stars to encourage others to read it. You will be sharpened by listening to what he has to say.

As much as I would like to praise myself for being able to read this for my graduate journal/research paper, I am confident to say that I am not confident about what I've understood from Descartes' philosophical projects. Mimicking and revising the words of Plato, I am wise for being able to claim that I know less about Descartes' philosophy. Nevertheless, I might not agree with Descartes when it comes to the practicality of his thoughts, but who knows what groundbreaking truth lies beneath the [...]

This is a collection of the critiques that were advanced against Descartes philosophy, and of Descartes responses and reactions to these critiques. He gives many important precisions, and explanations.

It does not have the unabridged copy for many of his writings including The Principles of Philosophy - Part 3&4 are omitted in bulk. Even the Passions of the Soul has few passages omitted, not to mention Le Monde and The Treatise on Man, etc